Overview
- A group including two Harvard Kennedy School professors and student leaders submitted a formal request Friday to remove Leslie H. Wexner’s name from the school’s main building and the Wexner Sunshine Lobby.
- Harvard confirmed receipt of the proposal, and an HKS spokesperson said the university is reviewing individuals named in the newly released Epstein files to determine what actions may be warranted.
- The petition argues the honor conflicts with the school’s mission and causes psychological harm for members of the community, and it asks for a digital exhibit and fundraising toward an endowed chair focused on sexual harm and violence.
- The filing cites Wexner’s long relationship with Jeffrey Epstein in managing his finances, while Wexner denies wrongdoing and told Congress he was deceived and has nothing to hide.
- Under Harvard’s denaming framework, the Office of the President and Provost conducts an initial review before a dean-appointed committee at the school weighs removal, retention, or added context, with recent precedents including Sackler and Winthrop cases.